The gentle exercise provided by tai chi has been shown in previous studies to improve immune system response, contrasting with high intensity exercise, which can depress it.
Now two small studies published in the British Journal of Sports Science suggest that tai chi can help people with type 2 diabetes control the disease.
In the first study, researchers looked at the effect of a 12 week tai chi exercise programme on helper T-cell activity in 30 people with type 2 diabetes and compare this with 30 healthy people of the same age. They found that those on the tai chi programme had reduced levels of blood glucose markers and improved levels of interleukin-4, which boostes the immune system. Not only this, but level of interleukin-4, which depresses the immune system, fell. T-cell activity improved. The second study looked at people suffering from metabolic syndrome - a type 2 diabetes precursor. These people were put on a 12 week tai chi programme. They lost an average of 3kg in weight and reduced their waist size by almost 3cm - both of which reduce insulin resistance - the main factor in metabolic syndrome.
